looking for some flower advice

[fizzgig]

i'm thinking about getting some annuals to hang on the patio. it's western exposure, but doesn't get a lot of direct light due to the pine trees in front of the building. it has to be something the squirrels won't bother and it has to be nearly idiot-proof as i have a pretty black thumb. i'm in northern colorado, so the summers are pretty dry and they're calling for a hot one this year.

i am completely ignorant on this topic and would appreciate any suggestions. happy spring!

[Sanity Claws]

1. Creeping zinnias?

Here's a link: http://home.howstuffworks.com/define-sanvitalia-creeping-zinnia.htm

Don't know how squirrels will react.

I personally like fuchsias because they attract hummingbirds but they may need more care than you like. I had them when I lived in the Seattle area and they came back year after year despite neglect.

[fizzgig]

2. those are pretty

thanks for the suggestion.

i hear hummingbirds from time to time and have a feeder, so i'm going to put that out and see if i can't attract some.

[LiberalEsto]

3. Begonias

There are many different kinds, large and small. Some types seem to work well in hanging planters.
I've only planted the kind with small white or red flowers but they have always done very well despite hot dry Maryland summers. The deer and squirrels don't bother them, but I can't say whether this is true for the large flowered kinds.

http://www.coloradobackyardgardener.com/2015/03/08/tuberous-begonia-in-colorado/

http://www.thescrapshoppeblog.com/2013/05/5-tricks-to-keep-squirrels-out-of-your.html

[Curmudgeoness]

4. I have been planting the large flowered begonias

and they are where squirrels can get to them, but they never bother them. Actually, the squirrels have not bothered any of my annuals. The large flowers are gorgeous, they look like roses to me.

[Curmudgeoness]

5. I also love fuschia

and I am pretty lazy about my container plants, but they do fine.

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/annual/fuchsia/

Another plant that I really like is Million Bells (Calibrachoa). They are so easy to grow and really hardy. Look like small petunias and put out a lot of flowers. The only problem I have had with them is that the grasshoppers seem to like them.

http://suntorycollection.com/gardeners/million-bells%C2%AE-trailing-calibrachoa/

The only thing that it important with containers is to water them...often. I water every evening without fail, and if it is particularly hot or dry, I will also water early in the morning. Don't water at mid-day...I actually had one plant die from how hot the water got, although it was in direct sun. Live and learn.

[MissyAnn]

6. Begonias Rule!

I have had my Angel Wing begonia for over 20 yrs. Her name is Rosie (after our aunt) as she passed a cutting to my sis prolly over 30 yrs ago.... She lives on and on and her cuttings have been shared numerous times.she makes the most gorgeous salmon pink blossoms that hang like grapes from beneath her wings. I have her in pots and the ground.

[NRaleighLiberal]

7. Calibrachoa (Million Bells) are really nice. Ivy Geraniums. Wave Petunias. Torenia.

http://flowers.about.com/od/Annual-Flowers/p/Flowering-Million-Bells-Are-Low-Maintenance-Petunia-Look-Alikes.htm